President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Pakistan on Friday, but his official visit turned out to be an unprecedented moment of embarrassment for the country.
His trip was more of a private visit than a state engagement, as a brief interaction involving Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, took place at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi itself, senior diplomatic sources told CNN-News18.
UAE President skips travel to Islamabad
The stunning diplomatic snub unfolded when the UAE President did not meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. As per protocols, a visiting head of state is formally received by the host country's president. Reports have now also emerged that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed even refused to travel to Islamabad or the President's or Prime Minister's House. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who went to the Nur Khan Airbase, confirmed the developments.
Mohammad Bin Zayed and Shehbaz Sharif's meeting lasted for just…
According to top diplomatic sources, the meeting between the UAE President and PM Shehbaz Sharif lasted for only four to five minutes and was limited to handshakes and photographs. During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed showed little interest in engaging with Pakistani leaders. No formal bilateral talks were held as he spoke briefly with Shehbaz and Munir. Memoranda of understanding (MoUs) or agreements were also not signed during the brief exchange.
Where did the UAE President Stay?
The UAE President reportedly stayed at the Army House and General Headquarters in Pakistan for about five hours before leaving the country, reports added. A video from a television program showed a Pakistani government minister openly admitting that the UAE President left for a private engagement after a short conversation with the Pakistani leaders.

